Historical Theology Survey Critique: Augustine of Hippo

Authors

Zachary MonteFollow

Abstract

This study evaluates how current historical theology survey texts understand and present the theology of Augustine. The texts are examined to assess the following: accuracy of presentation on discussed topics, specific theological topics Augustine addressed excluded in the surveys, and theological bias on the part of the authors. The historical theology surveys include Gregg Allison’s Historical Theology: An Introduction to Christian Doctrine, Justo González’s A History of Christian Thought, and Alister McGrath’s Historical Theology: An Introduction to the History of Christian Thought. The three major topics treated include Augustine’s Trinitarian thought, the Donatist Controversy, and the Pelagian Controversy. The findings of this research present all examined traditions as favoring either Augustine’s biblical hermeneutic or his cultural context as most insightful in understanding and presenting his thought.

Recommended Citation

Monte, Zachary (2021) "Historical Theology Survey Critique: Augustine of Hippo," ELAIA: Vol. 4, Article 7.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.olivet.edu/elaia/vol4/iss1/7